Finals week is approaching fast and you might find yourself getting stressed out. That means no seats in the library and pulling all-nighters. For freshman, this is your first time getting used to the crazy schedule of finals week. But if you’re a junior or senior you might have all the study hacks nailed down (or almost). With these tips, hopefully you’ll be able to crush all your finals.
Start early There’s no reason you should be pulling an all nighter if you start a few days ahead. Instead of starting the day before, give yourself at least 2 or 3 days in advance. That way the night before you won’t be cramming and you can review what you have already studied.
Create a study schedule If you’re a planner, making a schedule might be a good idea to help you stay on track. Try planning a few hours of your day so you can commit to study. Sometimes when you plan ahead it will make the process much easier.
Get to the library early I cannot stress this enough. If you are a person that needs peace and quiet make sure that you get to the library as soon as it opens because by the time 12 pm rolls around the odds of finding a spot are very slim. This leads to stress and wasted time trying to find a spot when you could be studying. If you like to use the group study rooms make sure to reserve those ASAP.
Listen to classical music This might not be ideal for everyone, but I find when I listen to classical music it helps me concentrate more and stay on task. If you’re not into classical try another genre that will help you to stay focused.
Make your own study guide Most of your professors will provide you with a study guide, but creating your own will give you a better understanding of the material. Rewriting or typing your notes will also help you learn the material better.
Write it/talk it out If you learn better by writing things out, this is the perfect way to study your material. Rewriting your notes a few times will force the material into your brain. If you learn better orally, try saying your notes out loud a few times to get the material into your brain.
Go to the review session Not all professors hold review sessions but if they do make it your best effort to attend. Often times they will go over material you need to know for the exam. This is also a good time to ask any last minute questions you come across as you study the material.
Study in groups
After reviewing your notes on your own, it might be a good idea to talk it out with a group. This way you can compare notes and answer any questions you still might have.
Study for the style of exam If you are preparing an essay-based exam, try making an outline first and writing out the topic once or twice to get it into your brain. Don’t try to memorize the essay word for word, rather learn the main concepts to help you understand the material better. If it’s multiple choice, know definitions and concepts. Or if it’s math problems, try doing some practice equations to get you prepared.
Take breaks Don’t try to study the material for 6 hours straight. Give yourself a break every now and then to get a snack, drink water, and just walk around so you’re not sitting for hours.
Prioritize your time You probably are going to have 5 exams spread throughout the week, and some might even have multiple in a day. Make sure you are giving yourself enough time to study each subject efficiently so you don’t freak out or end up pulling an all-nighter.
Eat/drink Make sure you are still eating and drinking water throughout the day. When we spend all day in the library we tend to forget to eat or drink. So if you’re spending all day in the library bring a granola bar or fruit with you so you don’t lose energy.
Rest If you’ve ever needed 8 hours of sleep a day this is the time. It is important to get a good night’s sleep before your exam so you are well rested and not falling asleep in the middle of the exam.